July 30

July 30, 2001

Sorry about no news for a couple of days, summer flu, but here are some emails I received over the past few days and some excerpts of others.

Well is it not funny that the police chief and officers can wreck cars and do all they have done and nothing happens but a dispatcher is late and gets suspended and her probation backed up 60 days who just happens to be a councilman's daughter that the chief is trying to get even with. Another power play by the chief.

Let's see another.

I am just now catching up on the gossip page. I in no way believe we need 10 cops, I have been in the Casino twice now and everyone, workers and patrons are having a good time and an orderly time, no problems.
The boat has plenty of helpful employees and security. My question is: The Sheriff stated he didn't want our officers deputized as they would not be properly trained. At my last count, at least 2 of our department
are former deputies and the Sheriff was a former juvenile officer, SO: who trained Parrish? As far as DeCoster is concerned, he never did anything before (unless you count playing golf 24/7) so what makes
anyone think he would change and do anything now to warrant any extra money?

In visiting the Birdnest Saturday morning for breakfast, I found that the feeling in Canton is that the Sheriff and PA needed to try to look a little better than our Mayor and that they need to stay in Monticello and mind their own business.

All the problems and uncertainty can all be traced down to three people, the chief, the mayor and what's her name. All it would have taken would have been the truth.

July 25, 2001

These past few days the people of La Grange have been sitting back and watching. From the gossip around town and the emails, it looks like the Casino gets nothing but good reports. Even some of those whole live close to the Casino say that there has been no bother to them. Several reports about the restaurant in the Casino have all been good. Good service and good food. Even with all the fears and hypes, it looks like the Casino people are hitting a home run here in town.

On the bummer side, and in absolutely no dereliction to the Casino, Mr. Spaulding who started Diemakers and benefactor the many in North East Missouri died in a car accident the other night coming home from the Casino. Mr. Spaulding was one who made sure that a lot of the millions made from Diemakers benefited a lot of communities.

BUT, the gossip in Canton and La Grange about the political action is different. Even people in Canton feel that the Sheriff and PA were out of line. There are a lot of people concerned about the way the Mayor has been talking out of both sides of his mouth. One he wants MORE police protection in La Grange because of potential crime, corruption and traffic and out of the other side he says to the County there is no evidence of any more crime, corruption, and traffic.

Well, the Casino got off to an excellent start. At about 4:30 it looked like the parking lot was full and the area in front of the doors was wall to wall people. CLICK HERE On TV Kevin looked scared at seeing all those people. His fear came true. Someone had a heat stroke waiting to get in. That in itself isn't a bad thing. You call the ambulance and they take care of the person and get them back on their feet. But, Kevin got a first hands experience with La Grange, the many first responders, the fire truck's, several police cars, the whole thing. Sorry Kevin, but you had to know they were just waiting to get that call. just wait until that first false fire alarm. Look out roof and windows. Just take a look at that old house they burned down south of town by the red barn.

The City Hall was prepared this week. They sent out water bills and promptly closed City Hall from noon on Tuesday and from 3 on Wednesday and people came and went trying to get in to pay their water bill. Gosh, we just couldn't wait until 5.

This is for the police officers. Do you really believe that the chief is on your side, thinking about you, worried about you? Ok, let's see now, the chief gets paid for a 44 hour week, and only required to put in 40. You the officer are paid less than the chief, quite a bit I believe. He wants 10 officers under his command. Looks impressive. But, by him making himself important, you pay for it. Not get paid for it. If he was thinking and caring about you, his officers, he would want just enough to do the job so you could get overtime. That is when your wages would have become a living wage. You could make enough money to get ahead. But, by the chief hiring more and more officers, no overtime. No living wages. He wins, you lose. He has you just where he wants you.

July 25, 2001

The day is here. First off today around 10-10:30am will be the presentation of the license to the Casino and this afternoon another dignitary celebration and then the opening of the doors at 5pm.

Rumor has it that the restaurant menu is very large and the the prices are good. But, let's go on to the fun and games yesterday. If any indication of the gossip around town and emails, J,S,M,R. pissed off a lot of people. One emailer said they drove by and saw only those who owed money at the bank or those who suck up to J,S,M,R.. Several business people noted that some of the Chamber of Citizens were invited but not any of the Chamber of Commerce. Take a look at this email, It says it better than the other ten.

Thought you might like a report on the practice session of the Casino and who was there.
First off it was J,S,M,R. and everyone who can tolerate her. All of the Reids were in attendance. Everyone who works at the Eighteen Wheeler was invited. There were waitresses and dishwashers and farmers from Marion County. Of course the entire congregation of the Durham Methodist church was there. That includes B & B Solter and the Don Sherwood bunch. Of course E and J Feldkamp were there to cheer Crisco on. There were many from the Courthouse and from the Lewis County area. The only thing that seemed strange was the lack of people from LaGrange. There were practically no business people there. I think you could count the number of people from LaGrange on two hands, I know you could if you used your feet. I think that says a lot about how the people of LaGrange feel about Crisco and how she feels about them. There were many people who discussed the arrogance and utter absurdity of her actions. If the Casino wants to be a success, they will try to distance themselves from Crisco. She will do them, as she has the City of LaGrange, and that is to try to use them for her own personal gain.

July 24, 2001

This is the last day La Grange will the way it was. Starting tomorrow, everyone in town will have their lives changed one way or another. The only thing we can say now is.

WELCOME TO LA GRANGE
MARK TWAIN CASINO

May all your promises come true.

Just received some phone calls from a couple of irate business persons here in town. The first was upset that the Chamber can find his business each and every time they collect dues. But, when what's her name, Miss fair and balanced, picked people to get to be the ones for the startup party, the Chamber forgot all about the members and him. Rumor has it that several other people who worked the Chicken bbq who didn't get invited won't work next year.

The second was from a businessman who was extremely upset and Mr. Lewis believes he wasn't invited because he is black. Not because he wasn't a Chamber member, as he has never been asked to be a member.

Nothing like pissing off everyone you worked 45 years, 3 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 6 hours and 15 minutes, making their lives so rich and meaningful and helping them all her life devotingly. My she does it so well and gracefully.

July 23, 2001

2 days left

Only two days left til the opening day of the Casino. Is everybody ready?? Rumor has it that even though the gaming commission in Quincy's Sunday paper yesterday, the Mayor and Police Chief are going to interview three more officers tonight. 184 people are just tickled to death to see their money spent.

On another front, Mr. La Grange, Elmer Logan, is in Blessing hospital. He went there last Friday complaining of chest pains. In a phone call today, he mistakenly revealed that he was wanting to see all the cute nurses he saw last time again and didn't want to pay to get there. And, he also said he was feeling pretty good today and only plans to stay a couple more days. He loves the pampering he doesn't get at the coffee shop every morning.

Mr. Robert Cottrell is home after a stay in the hospital for a kidney operation. He thinks that by the weekend he will be able to go to the local white house for the morning gossip session. So far he has missed the two ladies from the "Virgin" Islands staying across the street above the Double G.

While Ed Heller has fooled everyone in town about his expertise in nursery and such, his mowing the other day of Oyster Park was in fourth gear. Rumor has it that some of the weeds just laid down real quick while he zoomed over them and just popped back up. He did work up a good sweat.

Ed Ensor has been working at the Youth Center and has a whole lot of metal stud walls up and it is starting to take shape nicely. He sure could use a couple of hands and feet though. especially when that dry needs to be hung. A good electrician would be nice. Does anyone know one willing to donate a little time??

The Center still needs a lot more items to be donated or money donated to buy them. Stop by and take a look and see Ed.

July 22, 2001

3 days left

There will be licensing hearing at the La Grange Lions Club at 10am Wednesday, the public is invited.

Those 184 voters have to be tickled to death after reading the Quincy Herald Whig today. Today, they get to see first hand that THEIR Mayor and Police Chief have been lying to them all along. Quote from the QHW. (Johnson of the Gaming Commission, "it is the towns call on whether any more officers are eventually hired," "THEY were the ones that talked about having somewhere between seven and ten."

LIE AFTER LIE AFTER LIE: Yet for some unknown reason 184 voters put this man back in as Mayor to represent THEM. THEIR Mayor refuses to print a financial statement to show where HE spent those hundreds of thousands of dollars and they are tickled to death. He has spent all the City's money so no work can be done on our streets and the 184 are tickled to death. How dumb can some people be?

July 20th, 2001

They are working at the center now. They are putting up the walls. Anyone that could volunteer some help, it would be greatly appreciated. If you aren't able to help, the Center still need money for the heating and air-conditioning units. To up date the public on what has taken place lately. The Center did receive $1100.00 this week for the building fund. In material supplies, they received the metal studs, the drop ceiling hangers, from a business in Quincy. 180 sheets of dry wall came out of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and picked up and delivered the Gary Stone Trucking. 35 gallons of primer was donated by a Quincy paint Co., and 6 gallons of paint by a business in Hannibal. The Center still need paint, satin latex. Also help to do the construction work at the center. Just drop by or contact, Ed or Betty for information. They don't have money to pay, but the Center will show its appreciation by placing their names on a Thank-You board that will hang in the Center.

I guess by the article in the PNJ that the Gaming Commission, the Mayor and Police Chief, that the needed 10 officers was a sham. The gaming commission now says 5 is ok. The Chief still wants 10. Everyone in town agrees that more than 5 is too many police officers. It's too bad the Mayor and City Council can't see in the sunlight like everyone else in town and can't see where all the problems come from. Yet, they keep him on, and everyone (well except the 184) keep wondering why.

Everywhere you turn, you read about the SMART group lobbying State and Federal Officials about the highway 61. Yet, in over 9 years, the Mayor of La Grange and no Council member or Chamber official has done anything, attended any meeting, or participated in any way to get the highway upgraded to a four-lane. Yet, La Grange and the Gambling Boat will be the ones to benefit the most. 184 voters have to be just tickled to death.

July 18, 2001

Gaming Magazine now has done an article on the Mark Twain Casino today. Whoever did the article left out the most important part, How Jenny, Shork, Murphy, Reid slaved for many years, many months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, the banker. CLICK HERE

Here is one of many emails regarding the City Administrator election:

Well I am very much surprised that no one has come up with the idea of all ideas that will save the town. After the voters yesterday voted to hire a City Administrator it should be very obvious who that person should be. Just think about it! Who has spent all those
years, months, days and hours doing good for the city, and still continues to do so? She never
wants any credit for all she has done. She tends to shy away from the TV cameras and newspapers. She only does what is good for others. She would never do anything that would be hateful or spiteful to others for her own personal pleasure. She puts the good of the City above her own self-aggrandizement. It can only be one person and every resident of LaGrange
should kneel before Crisco Reid and beg her to accept the position!!!

Well, here is one more.

Rumor in town is that Miss Jenny (as in Reid) is wanting the position of administrator really bad. That sure wouldn't help us out any and you would think with that big of a defeat, the Mayor would get the message that the citizens don't TRUST him with that much money. (Or any money in fact!) The main thing people complain about is: everyone of the City Crew (with the exception of Sam) does nothing and they should be given a schedule and made to work TOGETHER and GET ALONG. Maybe an administrator could accomplish this. Another complaint is that sour
puss at City Hall that spent money on the Fire Dept without approval, she really needs an attitude adjustment! (Comment) "She did get Council approval, but not the firechief's approval"".

Rumor has it that the Fire Department will be taking drivers training classes in the future. It seems that on the way to a fire at the State Park, the fire department, all of the trucks, went up the off ramp to 61. I believe that the rumor has it that MADD was the lead truck.

THE GESTAPO IS BACK

Today at 5 am Greg and Ed going to work at the foundry were stopped by the GESTAPO for nothing again. The harassment has started all over again. Just when you think you got rid of two bad apples, more come to the top. Will La Grange ever get a decent police officer besides just one? Will the Mayor and Police Chief ever put a stop to this? Will there need to be a new Mayor that will tell the chief to stop this harassment or get fired?

Well now, Mayor and City Council. The people of La Grange spoke LOUD AND CLEAR. Did you hear them talking? Did you hear what they are saying? The people voted 6 to 1 IN FAVOR of a City Administrator. Now, let's get one with the EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS to do the job. Look to what Booneville did.

July 17, 2001

ELECTION DAY

VOTE

My buddy the Chief took possession of his NEW POLICE CAR this morning.

With counting the two police cars out by the fire Station, we now have "7" police cars. And, you have to know that the Mayor will give my buddy the newest one they just got today. Rumor has it that the Mayor plans to take one for his "official" car so the City can pay for all his gas. It amazes me that by now the Fire Chief hasn't been taking home a fire truck.

July 16, 2001

Tomorrow is election day. If you don't vote, this Mayor and anyone else who gets to be Mayor later on will get to spend all that money any way he wants. It could even be me and I could put in a concrete road to my place.

The Mayor and Council has done a good job of keeping this election under wraps, Hoping that no one will vote tomorrow for a City Administrator. After been "loaned" almost a half million dollars already from the Casino and it's all gone, can you imagine how far in debt the City can be with three to four times that much?

This is to Andy Ayers. You did it all wrong. Go back out to the alley, look North about 6 blocks behind the new "carwash". That is all you have to do. Just move the alley over yourself. neat, clean, done. Kind of like dozing your neighbors trees off into the creek in pretense they were falling on your fence. Then just use the property and not fix the fence. See there Andy, you just don't know how to do it.

July 14, 2001

Well, Channel 10 did the whitewash last night. I could have told the rabbit that they would screw him. If you believe all you heard for the past week from Channel 10 and believed all you read in the Quincy Herald Whig, then you have to believe that Mana from Heaven has fallen on La Grange and the WHOLE Tri-State area. Ed Husar could only find good things after better things in the first coming of the Casino. Crimes quit being committed, Fires were fewer. There were less tornados and floods. The police in Caruthersville were all playing checkers all day and the fire department were only saving kittens in the trees. He traveled far and wide and saw "nothing", that resembled a speck of anything but goodness and greatness forever and ever. Lordy, Lordy, let's all sing and praise the Casino once more. Utopia has arrived at last. May we all fall to our knees and bless "what's her name"?

Did you see the picture of Bill Grace and "what's her name"? Another forever and ever and ever of "she retired from the so called bank after many years of true and faithful service far beyond the call of duty". "Working in bare feet over sharp rocks day after day for years and years". Praise the Casino once again.

Have you ever wondered who won the real nice yard swing set raffled off at the Chamber of Commerce Chicken BBQ? I won't say, but, it was another inside thank you job. Some people think nothing of suckering the people of La Grange and then spitting in their eye. It's like they think the people of La Grange deserve it.

A guy I know with the initials JD received one of the those very special invitations to the Casino prior to the opening night. If he is wondering, why me? Let me tell you why JD. You just happen to own the only piece of ground that the State will allow a billboard sign. And, if you haven't felt it yet, you backside is being criscoed. A quick look at other billboard sites should give you an indication that that little piece of property is worth about a grand a month. Anything less and the crisco worked.

In the next week, we will see whether the gaming commission has been misrepresenting to the people of La Grange that 10 cops or no Casino license. Or was it 8 cops or no Casino license. I believe the gaming commissioner made the statement that no way would a license be issued if La Grange only hired 5 officers. Was it all a lie, we will see come July 25th.

July 13, 2001

Watch Channel 10 tonight.

Last evening I received a phone call from the bald rabbit er I mean Shawn Ott. It seems that he did take a job offer in another town, but was willing to stay on so the City would have enough officers to make sure the Casino would get their license from the Gaming Commission. But, I guess the Mayor made references in the police committee meeting last evening about lies, and was supposedly uttered some choice other unnice words and the officer quit, then and there. Rumor has it that another city employee has been subjected to abusive talk by brushy face many times in the past.

Rumor has it that the Mayor (God bless those 184 voters) has been screwing up the police department for a long time. Rumor also has it that the Chief is even getting fed up with the brushy faced one. I believe one reference was someone was blind in one eye and couldn't see out of the other or something like that. Then I was informed that the Police academy has blacklisted La Grange for new graduates because of the Mayor and Chief and all the turnover in the police department. Rumor has it that now the chief is looking for any warm body to hire, no matter why the officer isn't working some where else. The Casino should be very worried as rumor has it that another officer is looking elsewhere. I would think that about now, Jerry Brandt would have been a better choice for the gambling boat people. They only have to thank martini and weasel. You do remember "no prayer here" and "pave my drive free". 184 voters have to be just tickled to death.

Anyhow, two phone calls and one visitor this morning alerted me the fact that WGEM was at the officers home doing an interview. 6pm - 10pm news. The visitor even said he risked a speeding ticket to get here.

Rumor has it now that Jimmy (the waterman) will move up in rank in September when Sam Green retires from the City. And a rumor has it that the Street super is pissed that another city employee has figured out how to get more vacation days than he has. But, he wasn't counting those sneak days. I think those are also called slippage days.

One final item. It seems the green police car that was in the accident a couple of weeks ago has been fixed already and the other person in the accident hasn't been able to get his copy of the police report. Someone should open a body shop here in town just for the police department.

July 12, 2001

Did you get to tread the PNJ yesterday or today?? Rumor has it that the assistant City Clerk resigns as a fireperson after she repeatedly asked the Fire Chief (IWD) Heindselman for helmets for her and the chief's wife. It seems that the clerk went to the Council direct and pissed off (IWD) and he then berated her and then she sent a letter to Council complaining about his abuse actions. And then.

The Council wanted to set up a "chain of command" , yeah like they just can't talk to each other, in the police department. The Council wanted to vote on having a lieutenant, a sergeant, and a corporal. The Mayor (mr. beard) said he didn't want to. The Council said they wanted to. Mr. Wiskers said "if you do, he will veto it". the Council said, "we will override your veto". Mr. Wiskers said "he would veto their override". I don't think he can do that. Then the Council threatened the Mayor by saying they will close Andy's alley. That changed his mind in a hurry. Then the "lower the bar" spoke his mind in the next minute. But stranger things have happened with this Mayor. So, I guess that will set up the chain of command now to, 1 chief, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 1 indian. Oh, wait a minute, that isn't the ten or eight needed to open the Casino. OH NO!. You know if Mr. Wiskers would just open the one eye, he would see where his BIG problem in the police department is. One dismissal would end 99% of all the grief and problems. But, you know that (DUH) has to vote to keep him on. How else will he get home some afternoons after his favorite stop?

The Council then agreed to advertise for more police officers. The problem is that the Council by shirking their responsibility of doing the interviewing and hiring and letting my buddy do the hiring, things will never get any better. My buddy has to hire people who are not as smart as he is and that leaves only a few. That then leaves the people and the City with the problems we have seen this past year. Makes you wonder who those 184 people are that won't ever admit to voting for him. They really have to be so proud. Let's see now, because of the Mayor not taking care of the Ordinances, the Casino delayed opening over a month and cost the Casino over $3 million. Now, with not enough officers, will the Casino open on the 25th?

The City had Wade and Stables do the audit again this year. I guess since it was such a good job last year of confusing numbers, they would do it again this year. One year, the ending balances on the past year and the beginning balances of the next year, which were dated the same day, were totally different numbers and the Mayor and Council didn't even know it. They still don't that the water rates they are charging the foundry are computed wrong and have been for years.

It was also reported that Sam Green would be retiring in September. Now, who will the super use as a scape goat?

July 11, 2001

I just received a rumor of some bad, no terrible news. This is really devastating news for everyone in La Grange. Well, here goes, my best friend I ever ever had is rumored that he is resigning from the La Grange police force. THE BALD RABBIT. Rumor has it that he has taken a Police Chiefs Position in Iowa. He found a town without internet access. I heard that the Mayor is tickled to death.

Rumor has it that another officer is talking about defecting to another town. If that is true, then will the Casino open July 25th? The gaming Commission demanded ten officers before the opening. Then relented down to seven, but now the 184 vote Mayor is down to 4 and a chief?? Now according to the PNJ, that makes it one chief, one lieutenant, one sergeant, one corporal, and two indians. Will the brown nose (the chauffer) get the Lieutenants position?

I had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Rockhold Powers at Casey's today. She seemed very upset about seeing her name on the Gossip page. It has been awhile ago, but I believe the reference to the sighting of her name in the police blotter in the Canton Press News Journal. I think it was something to do with deceptive practice of some sort, I am not quite sure. Anyhow, she was all out of sorts about this. She didn't comment whether she was out of sorts with the PNJ about it, but I'll bet it was because they didn't make the connection because she only used the last name Rockhold when she was visiting Monticello. I wouldn't have made the connection either except she sent me an irate email posting her last name of Powers and that she married the Street Super Ken Power's son. So go figure, first she complains that she is married to the Street Super Ken Power's son and that her last name is now Powers, then she complains that she doesn't want the last name Powers used.

July 10, 2001

Say a prayer for the Guilfoyle family

Mrs. Floyd Guilfoyle passed away yesterday

July 9, 2001

I received 35 emails over the weekend to today. I received one that took exception to Sunday's article about the wedding. The OFFICER? said I wouldn't print his email, but you all know better, don't you? So for the OFFICER? Here it is.

>Mr. Brandt,

Oh. thank you, thank you. I have a hard time getting people at the coffee shop to call me Mr. Brandt.
>
>I am not a citizen of La Grange, nor do I ever plan to be. Neither does the Police chief and >Fire Chief. In fact Saturday, July 7th was my first visit to your community. La Grange seems >to be anice little community with the exception of the few small minded busy-bodies like
>yourself.

Brace yourself, there are more like me here than you may like. Of course, we have lived here all our lives.

>I have not read the entire contents of your website, since I HAVE a life,

Oh, really? What kind of a life do you have???

>but I have read enough.

Well man, you are missing a lot of good stuff, read the rest.

>Enough to come to some sort of an understanding as to what type of an individual you must
>be. A sad little societal outcast.

I didn't think I was sad. Maybe you just caught me on an off day.
And, I don't think there is a societal cast in La Grange.

>who has found that his own life has been such a failure

What part did I miss. I own my home several acres of land where the cops can't see. I have a nice trust fund income plus all I make on the side, all my cars - trucks - tractors - equipment is all paid for. I don't owe anyone anything. Thanks to my banker lady. I get up when I want, go where I want, do anything I want, eat out too much. Where is any of this a failure??

>that his only pleasure omes from seeing others exposed as failures themselves, whether they
>are or not.

Oh, that isn't my only pleasure. You should see my real passion.

>Tell me, do you remember "judge not lest ye be judged"?

Yeah, wasn't that a joke. Bill Clinton screwed that one all up didn't he?

>I am a deputy sheriff in another state and have never worked with any member of the La
>Grange police department.

Lucky you,you should let my buddy the Chief be your boss for a couple of days. You'll change your mind then.

>However, after meeting them I would have to say that they seem like a well qualified group
>of young men. They also seemed quite personable and friendly.

Well, give my buddy more time, they will be just like him after a while. Sorry about that.

>As an officer, I feel sympathy for these officers (the chief too) since they must risk
>their lives to protect the people of their community,

Where in the hell in La Grange will they risk their lives? Getting run over by some old
lady going to the casino??

>put themselves under immense public scrutiny,

Only because they asked for it. All they had to is LEAVE THE PEOPLE OF LA GRANGE ALONE.

>settle for half the pay they would receive anywhere else,

Bull Shit. 1/2 million a year???? Sure thing doc.

>and put up with your ass too.

Go back 4 lines and reread.

>Their jobs are hard enough without sad little people like you

I still can't find anywhere that I am sad. I just asked my wife if she thought I was sad and
she said no, I don't think so. Do you know something I don't about being happy or sad??

>trying to borrow trouble and cast accusations, whether they are true or not. I read your >account of Saturday's wedding involving one of La Grange's finest.

If he is one of our finest, the City is in deep doo doo.

>I was at the wedding on the groom's behalf, in fact I am one of the few in the seats on the
>right side of your pictures.

Well, you are the only one to admit you were there. The Chief and all the other officers
tried to hide their faces.

>I also saw you drive by, grinning and snapping pictures. You drove by rather quickly which
>I am sure is how you were so able to depict the days events in your little "editorial".

Sorry about that, I wasn't driving the car, if you saw me as you say, you would have said
you saw me taking the pictures and not driving the car. I couldn't get the driver to stop so I could take more.

>By the way, if you had another party to attend, why were you out driving around taking
>pictures?

As I said, we were on our wayyyyyyy.

>And how would several officers in uniform, standing in a wedding, be hiding?

Go back up 5 lines>>>>

>Did you stop and ask them, or just form your own story?

Go back up 7 lines.

>And if you had bothered to notice, you would have seen the bride wearing a beautiful white
>wedding gown with a fairly long train spread across the ground behind her.

WHITE? I thought only the first wedding as a virgin wore white. It was really hard to make out in the pictures. Sorry about that.

>But no, that would take an actual observation on your part. As for the uniform in place of
>the tuxedo, a groom and his wedding party taking pride in their careers and incorporating >that pride into their special day.

Pride my rear end, he eats & sleeps and does everything in that uniform, He never takes it
off.

>Do you even understand the need for an officer to take pride in what he does? It is almost
>all an officer has.

It is for any officer to want to work with our chief.

>And finally with regard to your comment about the lack of filled seats. Did you happen to
>mention that the groom is from Iowa,

NO!

>where he has an abundance of friends?

Couldn't prove it by me!

>Or that it was the hottest, most humid day of the year. He chose the hottest day so far.

>No. Half of the guests were hiding from the heat in the shade or air conditioning.

I would have been inside with the air conditioning too.

>And sadly, many were unable to travel to La Grange to attend.

Yeah, like they would anyhow. They probably know him better that we do.

>But the truth wouldn't fit your little propoganda machine here would it?

I don't know if anything you have said is the truth.

>I do apologize for being so long-winded, but I needed to respond to your comments, which by >the way I will not be doing again.

Oh Shucks, and I thought we were going to be friends.

>The only power you seem to have is from people angrily responding to a little fool rambling
>on from his little soapbox.

Actually, only you responded angrily, the other 35 emails were just the opposite. And, you
didn't say I was sad this time. Am I getting better??

>I will not contribute to that, and I urge others to do the same. In closing, I would urge you >to get a life.

You keep mentioning that and I thought I had one til you kept bringing it up that I didn't.

>Make something productive of your existence on this planet before you are eighty years old,
>and realize you have wasted your life away bitching and moaning on the internet.

Now, wait just a darn minute here. I have only been bitching and moaning on the internet
since 1999. I started when we got our first CB radio in the 60s.

>It is a trivial way to spend your precious days on this rock.

I also raise chickens and ducks, sometimes baby raccoons and rabbits and squirrels.

>Embrace the members of your community and find ways to strengthen the weaknesses you feel
they possess.

I tried to hug and kiss my buddy the chief but he turned his head and wanted to slap me with his silk glove.

>If you are unable to do this and you are so unhappy with the people of your community,
>MOVE!

Did you say MOVE??? What fun would that be?? I was here first!

>I urge you to post this message if you believe in fairness and correct information and
>opinion.

My opinion is about as fair and correct as you can get. What more do you want? As I said above, out of the 35 emails I have received over the weekend from all over the Country, I am
printing the ONLY ONE that took exception to the article on the bald rabbit.

Darn, so much fun and so little time.

July 8, 2001

Say a prayer for the Brown family.

Rodney Brown passed away today.

I was emailed and told that the following information was being looked for since yesterday by interested parties, so here goes. Even though I was invited to the wedding by the groom at a previous Youth Center meeting, I had my own party to attend. But, I thought that at least the Mayor was going to attend, but alas, we found him gassing up the van to head North to see a Catfish. CLICK HERE. Then, on the way to our own party, our group passed the wedding and saw this, CLICK HERE and saw this CLICK HERE. By looking closely at these pictures, one would assume that several uniforms were trying to hide the fact that they were there. And whatever happened to a tuxedo and dress? It also looks like a couple of other invities had other parties to attend Saturday too by the looks of the empty seats.

July 6, 2001

The news media was all abuzz about the Mark Twain Casino doing a test burn of the lights on the Casino. Channel 10 was there as well as Channel 7. It looks like the clips on Channel 10 were staged to make it show more and bigger than it is. But, whereas, no one (well, some special people) (not the little people) was allowed inside.

The parking lot was crowded with cars and trucks of local people who came to see the Casino lighted up. This was already done several times before but last night was a Special occasion of lighting. I talked to several people who were there and a lot were disappointed that there weren't more lights and more moving lights like they saw in Las Vegas. Others were happy that it wasn't that gaudy. One comment was that Big Jim Leeser's truck had more lights and overshadowed the Casino lights. A La Grange Police car circled the parking lot several times checking everyone out.

But, all in all, it was a great kickoff for the Casino.

July 5th, 2001

Well, my email was full today, so I will have to pick out the good ones. I like the ones like this one which comes from people who are from La Grange but live away.

I just wanted to say again what a GREAT job you do with all this! The
pictures taken today were wonderful -- made me wish I had been there. I'm
sure all the food was outstanding. You do such a great service to the
community -- I'm SERIOUS! It is a way for us away to keep in touch with
HOME! It looks like you had a beautiful day -- we did here as well. We just
finished watching some of the neighborhood fireworks. We can see some of the
city's display from our deck, but for the most part the trees are too big now
(after 25 years!)

But here are some of the rumors going around town. I tried to get a picture but couldn't get the shot of my buddy, the chiefs NEW police car. Rumor has it that something ticked him off and he backed up in haste and backed into a concrete wall. CAR #4.

Another emailer noticed that only 4 of the 6 cars were in the parade, the comment was that they were still in the crash pile.

Another emailer took notice last night after midnight with this email.

got a bit of info for you just 10 minutes ago I spied the local Police....riding around town with his headlights OFF!!!! It was the light blue older police car.. and we saw him drive THROUGH a stop sign with out using his brakes or
blinkers!! We were sitting at a friends house up next to LaGrange City park........... He made 2 turns with out using the turn signals and
did not have any lights on at all!!

Another rumor is that some people are wondering how they are going to drive over those bricks at the end of Pierce Street or the old lumber yard hill. It seems that there are some streets that were not vacated to the Casino that they just took over. And the Mayor is just tickled to death.

If you got up early enough and drove around town, you could easily see where the pigs live and where they played last night. Some people think the City street is just a place to shoot their fireworks and forget the trash they leave. The City park this morning was just terrible. But, before I could get back to take a picture the Street Super, Water Super and assistant were on the job and had it mostly cleaned up.

THAT IS TOTALLY WRONG. A GOOD MAYOR AND COUNCIL should immediately order that from now on, all fireworks should be shot off on the beach. No one should be allowed to use the City streets and the City park as a dumping ground and leave the messes that were all over town this morning. Not only would this eliminate all the trash all over town, but, it would put all the pretty fireworks where everyone can enjoy them with the Chamber fireworks.

And finally, some at City Hall and a high ranking official Mayor may be rumored to be wondering what is on those secret tape recordings. There are guesses as to how long ago these recordings were made and who all was recorded. I could sure use a copy.

July 4th, 2001

The Chicken Bar-B-Que and the Green Chapel Church Fish Fry had to be each a huge success. People were waiting over an hour at noon for chicken and waiting in line at 6pm for fish. here are some pictures of the Chicken and Fish serving. Click Here

It looked like everyone in town was down by the river to see the fireworks display. It was very exciting and very pretty. There were several other people who brought their own and shot them off waiting for the Chamber to shoot off theirs. Some were complaining that the fireworks didn't start at 9pm and they didn't shoot of the 3 big boomers to let people on the hill know they were ready to shoot. They also didn't do the 3 big boomers at the end either. Some people were confused at to whether it was over or not. But, all in all it was a great show.

Maybe next year some changes could be made. One would be the above complaints and the other would be to put out the word to get everyone in town who were shooting in the streets to have them bring their stuff down on the beach. Maybe a Mayor's proclamation. Hope you had a great 4th.

July 3rd, 2001

Well, happy 4th of July for al those who actually know what it stands for. According to surveys 50% of the people today do not know why we celebrate the 4th. 75% of those under 25. And more than half think the movie Pearl Harbor portrays the actual accounting. Dumbing down America.

Did you get you latest AmerenUE electric bill. Mine doubled from last month. Last year it was 6.9 cents per kw for summer use, this year it is 8.9 cents per kw.

We go to Quincy twice a week so my wife can spend money. I go to eat out. We have eaten at every restaurant in Quincy. There is an awfully nice restaurant and bar in 17th and State that is real good, better than Elders. Jims Family Inn. We find that in order of cheapness, McDonalds is the cheapest, well with the Maid Rite West. Then Hardees. Then Burger King and Wendy's. But for fast food, the highest is a tie between Steak & Shake and and Sonic. We eat at Sprouts when we want chicken, The patio for steaks and the Plaza for lobster tail. One time we eat cheap and the next time we find a good place. There is a good place down by the river that reminds of us of the old Pete's Boat House called the Baywatch Cafe. The Lakeview tap is also an excellent place.

And we still try to stop by the North Side Boat Club every once in awhile.

Rumor has it that there is an excellent air conditioning person in La Grange. I believe he lives right across the street from Mildred Dickerson.

July 2, 2001

Here it is the 2nd of July and there isn't much to report. The Casino is putting in another highway lane so they can have a left turn lane. I guess this is for the Bald Rabbit so he doesn't get hit again. Rumor has it that the Missouri River patrol was out in force last Saturday and hauled a couple in to jail. For some reason the La Grange police department was used for transportation.

Today is the first real start of the fireworks. The dogs in town have all gone into hiding.

Maybe I shouldn't put this on the web, but it was over 60 years ago and the principals are gone. There are two pictures to look at. One is a letter from Blessing hospital in 1940. This guy was a character, always joking around, but the hospital took him serious and sent this concerned letter to him. The next is the bill he had to pay for his wife to the hospital. I was digging around in some old boxes and found a lot of things and this was one of the funniest ones I found. look at this one first CLICK HERE. Then look here for the 2nd one CLICK HERE. If you think it was ok or wrong to post, let me know.

And what was Slats Morris wife's name?

June 29, 2001

Spectra Communications which has our local phone service has donated $1,000.00 to the new youth center. About 5 times more than the City has donated. I wonder where all those NAP grants the bank was going to be coming up with that the attorney for Dean Phillips was talking about when they were awarded the casino contract? Let's see now, I believe that Jenny-Shork-Murphy-Ried stated it was about $50,000 per year, since 1993.

Rumor has that the bald rabbit was hiding in the bushes one the South end of town protecting the gboat when he spotted two guys outside the City limits on the levy drinking beer. So the rumor goes on that the bald rabbit was then seen hopping down the rail road tracks to catch these criminals and when he almost got there, they got into their truck and left south on the bottom road. Bald rabbit had already called backup and he was also seen hopping down the railroad tracks too. They came to the crime scene and checked the two empty cans for spiders and left empty handed. Darn the luck.

Then we read in the Quincy Herald Whig where the so called Mayor of the City of La Grange (finger in throat), gave the County Prosecutor $25,000 of money the City doesn't have for something that may not occur. Rumor has it that this is the same person who has been running around to all the garden club and ladies meetings saying the City does not need a City Administrator. 184 people have to be so proud. I'll bet they are just tickled to death.

This is just like the idea that the Casino doesn't want the sewer plant where it is and was when they built the Casino and wants YOU the taxpayer to double you sewer rates to move the sewer plant to the North end of town near the new proposed motel.

Doesn't anyone remember Jenny-Shork-Murphy-Reid telling everyone in the park in 1993 that the Casino was to pay for everything and it wasn't going to cost the people of La Grange nothing, in fact we were to receive millions of dollars. So far, the City is in debt so far, no streets can be worked on, no water or sewer lines replaced, only a police force to harass the people. And now, it seems YOU, the people will PAY more.

184 voters are just tickled to death.

June 28, 2001

The class of 1966 held their 35th reunion. Those attending were Larry Solter, Nancy Leeser Ellison, Linda Gaus Hutcherson, & Christine Prisner Cunningham of La Grange AND Larry Logue of Hannibal, David Fletcher of O'Fallon, Benita Wiesemann Vaughn of St. Charles, John Shumate of Ewing, Greg Childers of St. Louis & Steven Drawe of Chesterfield. Garry Rayl from Quincy Il, and Jimmy Thomas of Tigard Oregon also attended.

Rumor has it that the divorce is done and a wedding is in sight. Supposed to be Saturday at the famous gazebo. And the rumor is that jambalaya pizza will be served to friends and family.

It is too bad the writer from the Post ate the pabulum fed him by what's her name. He really should have talked to the people around town to get the story straight.